Today's Opinions

I was fortunate enough to be able to vote in the May 8, 2018, race for members of the Galax City Council. I feel it is my duty as a citizen, and also my privilege.

It may be more dear to me since I have also stood for election five times in my career as commonwealth’s attorney. While I am very grateful for all who turn out to vote each year, it troubles me that so few of our citizens make it a priority to vote in these local elections.

I am writing on behalf of Grayson County 4-H and the camping program. We are very excited to camp this year. We have many exciting programs planned and know that camp will teach participants many lifelong lessons.
Each year, we have families who want to give their child an opportunity to enjoy camp, but experience financial hardship. This year, we have exhausted all of our in-house funds to support campers and still have families that are in need.

If your kid knows how to print his name, he (or she) is lucky.
PBS television devoted a cutesy feature segment May 5 to the alleged pain and difficulty of learning cursive handwriting.
Huh? It didn’t hurt me, though holding a pencil was awkward at first. Many of us learned cursive in the second or third grade, a rite of passage that made us proud.

You would think a good economy, jobs, strengthening our military, boosting security at our borders and a tax break are great for this country.
But, no, it is the sinister side of politics, porn stars, slush fund ties, cover-up, who is minding the store.
From day one, blame it all on fake news. This bulldog attitude has been shown the law, ethics and the truth does not apply to this pompous government.

Grayson County is so lucky to have caring people that start new programs and projects that benefit others. One of our newest additions it the “Free Market,” which is housed at the old Briarpatch Metalworks on Highway 21 North.

I am writing to encourage City of Galax residents to vote “YES” for Travis Haynes for city council in the May 1 election. I have known Mr. Haynes as a co-worker and a friend and can speak to his integrity, his strong work ethic and his capacity for objectivity and fairness on issues that will ultimately face each citizen in the future.

Guest editorial by Rep. Morgan Griffith
In the months since President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law, many Americans have already enjoyed its benefits.
They have noticed that Uncle Sam takes less out of their paychecks, companies are investing in the U.S. rather than overseas, and bonuses are being awarded.
Still, some people are worried they have been left behind by tax reform. Many concerns are the result of misconceptions about the tax law.

I was pleasantly surprised by Anthony Flaccavento when he spoke at the recent Farm to Food Forum in Independence.
I had already decided to support him due to Rep. Morgan Griffith’s abysmal record of doing little to benefit the 9th District.
A piece of furniture could likely have done a better job for us than Mr. Griffith. Still, I did not expect Mr. Flaccavento to be as informed as he was on livestock farming.